Matthew McConaughey Just Had His New Movie Canceled Due To Disturbing Allegations
Matthew McConaughey's next movie, Dallas Sting, has been canceled following an investigation that apparently uncovered disturbing allegations about the story of the women's soccer team on which the film was based.
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A highly anticipated Matthew McConaughey movie has been scrapped. Skydance will no longer move forward with Dallas Sting after an investigation into the film’s true story uncovered disturbing allegations. There are no specifics about what was uncovered, but it seems to have to do with the basis for the story itself and not the actual production. Whatever was unearthed in the investigation about the story behind the movie adaptation was enough for the production company to scrap the movie altogether.
Producers were disappointed by the development because they felt the inspirational story of the 1984 women’s soccer team deserved to be told. The project, which was almost fully cast, was only six weeks away from starting production.
Dallas Sting was inspired by the true story of a Dallas girls’ soccer team who traveled to China and defeated some of the best women’s teams in the world. Matthew McConaughey was cast as Coach Bill Kinder, who led the team to victories over Australia, Japan, China, and finally Italy in the championship game. Emmy nominee Kaitlyn Dever, who appears alongside George Clooney-Julia Roberts in the upcoming Ticket to Paradise, was set to play his daughter. Actual soccer players were cast as the team.
Additionally, the story was to be set against the backdrop of President Ronald Reagan’s efforts to improve U.S relations with China. Kari Skogland, who previously worked on Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, had signed on to direct the feature from a script by GLOW creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch. The Matthew McConaughey starrer was produced by Skydance and Berlanti Schechter Productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Dallas Sting’s forced cancellation highlights the risks that could arise when telling true-life stories. The real-life tale of the Matthew McConaughey film began when China invited the U.S to participate in the first-ever women’s world soccer championship. But there was one problem – America didn’t have a female team.
A nationwide search led to a 19-and-under league of Dallas high school girls who called themselves “The Sting.” Led by Kinder, who didn’t have coaching experience, the story of how the team won the tournament was miraculous.
Unfortunately, the seemingly insidious allegations have prevented the inspiring tale from being immortalized onscreen. Production was to begin in New Orleans, after Skydance and Berlanti Schechter won an auction for rights to an unpublished article by Flinder Boyd, Deadline reports.
Apple, which has an overall deal with Skydance, had a first look at the script for Dallas Sting. But it is unclear if the streamer made any commitment to the Matthew McConaughey-led project.
Aside from the now-defunct Dallas Sting, Matthew McConaughey’s acting career has been quiet. Most recently, the actor lent his voice to the lead character in 2021’s Sing 2. Directed by Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet, the story begins after the events of the first movie. Buster Moon and his singing group put on a show in Redshore City, where they try to win over an entertainment mogul by enlisting the help of a reclusive rock star.
Sing 2 featured a stellar ensemble cast alongside Matthew McConaughey. The animated feature showcased the talents of Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Jennings, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Offerman, and Jennifer Saunders. Following its release, the movie earned over $408 million at the global box office against a budget of $85 million, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of 2021.
